INDIANA FARM BUREAU 2022 STATE POLICY - Policies adopted at the INFB delegate session on August 28, 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
INDIANA FARM BUREAU
2022 STATE POLICY
Policies adopted at the
INFB delegate session on
August 28, 2021
101-477 10-21From the President
The policy statement adopted each year by the Indiana Farm
Bureau is the result of a deliberate and considered process that
reaches deep into the grassroots of the organization.
This year approximately three hundred policy recommendations
were submitted for consideration by a committee of Farm Bureau
members representing a number of viewpoints within our
membership. The report of this resolutions committee was then
reviewed by the delegates at Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual policy
setting delegate session.
At this session, the committee’s report as well as additional
recommendations from the floor, were carefully discussed and
acted upon by the delegates. The resulting policy statement
presented in this booklet represents the composite opinion of
the majority of the delegates.
The delegates met via Zoom on August 28 and adopted this
policy statement.
The policies contained in this booklet will direct and shape the
activities of Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. throughout the coming
year.
Randy Kron, President
Indiana Farm Bureau
August 28, 2021The Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) delegates referred the statements in the preface to the
board of directors for their consideration and approval.
INDIANA FARM BUREAU
MISSION
Indiana Farm Bureau promotes agriculture through public education, member engagement,
and advocacy for agriculture, food supply, and rural needs.
VISION
Indiana Farm Bureau will be a proactive organization providing opportunities for members
to influence positive outcomes in agriculture and their communities.
PURPOSE
The purpose of Indiana Farm Bureau is to be an effective advocate for farmers and through
its policies and programs, promote agriculture and improve the economic and social welfare
of member families.
OBJECTIVES
Indiana Farm Bureau is a voluntary membership organization that promotes agriculture and
the free enterprise system.
The philosophy, educational programs and economic services are designed to improve
the quality of life for members.
Indiana Farm Bureau stands for:
• Private enterprise systems.
• Preservation of property rights.
• Balanced federal budget.
• Constitutional government.
• Individual citizenship responsibility.
• Higher net farm income.
• Organized voice without government intervention.
• Resource conservation and environmental enhancement.
• Strong public education.
IRELIGIOUS LIFE
Our national life is founded on spiritual faith and belief in God. We favor leaving “In God We
Trust” on coins and currency and “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.
We believe it to be an individual’s inalienable right to worship God, offer prayers and read the
Bible as God’s word in private and public places, including schoolrooms.
We support:
(1) The individual’s right to free exercise of religion, whether in public or private, be it
verbal or visual.
(2) The reinforcement of the responsibilities and legal rights of parents to direct the
religious and moral training of their children.
(3) The necessary steps to re-establish the right to offer voluntary prayer in public
schools.
(4) The right of U.S. citizens to conduct religious services on public lands.
If churches or church organizations intrude into political action programs, resources which are
used for such activities should be denied preferential tax treatment.
We support a constitutional amendment to allow voluntary prayer in all “walks of life,”
particularly in our schools, sporting events and governing bodies at the local, state and
federal levels.
We affirm that Almighty God is the sovereign master of all knowledge and wisdom. We
accept the principles in His Holy Book, the Bible, as our guide for conduct in living.
IIPROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
We support:
(1) Programs and activities geared toward strong and responsible county Farm Bureau
organizations as the key to successful state and national Farm Bureaus.
(2) Each county Farm Bureau carefully studying the structure of its organization.
(3) Providing a legal framework which will allow maximum efficiency, representation and
participation in the development and implementation of all organization programs.
(4) County Farm Bureaus selecting voting delegates from members actively engaged in
agriculture.
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES ELECT/AgELECT
We support:
(1) Indiana Farm Bureau using its organizational strength to obtain success in its legislative
program.
(2) Members participating in Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT and AgELECT.
(3) Monitoring closely the support for agriculture of Indiana’s state and national legislators.
(4) The final results of the legislative candidate evaluation by ELECT/AgELECT trustees being
shared with all Indiana Farm Bureau organizations at the conclusion of the evaluation
process.
(5) Public disclosure laws of all political contributions.
(6) Members taking an active role in encouraging and educating possible candidates for
appointed and elected local boards.
YOUNG FARMERS & AG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM
We support:
(1) The continual involvement of new members.
(2) The development of new leaders.
(3) County Farm Bureaus developing and maintaining young farmers & ag professionals
programs.
(4) County Farm Bureaus having young farmers & ag professionals on their boards, including a
YF&AP county chair.
(5) All members within the established age limits participating in young farmers & ag
professionals activities and award programs.
(6) The State Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Committee’s contests and awards programs
following the age limit established by AFBF of 18-35.
(7) Inviting and encouraging all members under the age of 40 to participate in young farmers &
ag professionals’ activities.
COLLEGIATE FARM BUREAU CHAPTERS
We support:
(1) All counties supporting and engaging student members.
(2) Total inclusion of student members in local, district and state activities.
(3) Recognition of student membership as essential to building total membership in the short
and long term.
(4) Efforts to build collaboration between collegiate Farm Bureau chapters and the county Farm
Bureau of each county that contains a collegiate Farm Bureau chapter.
(5) Efforts to build collaboration between collegiate Farm Bureau members with their home
county Farm Bureau.
(6) Delegate representation for the student membership in the state-level policy process.
(7) The development of a collegiate Farm Bureau program at all post-secondary institutions in
the state that offer an agriculture program.
IIITABLE OF CONTENTS
1. AGRICULTURAL POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.A.) GENERAL AGRICULTURAL POLICY - ADOPTED 2020 .............................................................................................................................1
1.B.) FARM SIZE - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................1
1.C.) URBAN COUNTY FARM BUREAU COALITION - ADOPTED 2020 .............................................................................................................1
1.D.) COOPERATION - ADOPTED 2019....................................................................................................................................................................1
1.E.) FARMER COOPERATIVES - ADOPTED 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................1
2. AGRICULTURAL CREDIT ................................................................................................................................................................ 2
2.A.) AGRICULTURAL LOANS - ADOPTED 2020 .................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.B.) BANKRUPTCY - ADOPTED 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.C.) AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS BANKRUPTCY - ADOPTED 2019 ....................................................................................................................... 2
3. AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
3.A.) STATE PROGRAMS - ADOPTED 2020 .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
3.B.) INTERNATIONAL TRADE - ADOPTED 2020 ................................................................................................................................................ 3
3.C.) AGRICULTURAL CONCENTRATION - ADOPTED 2017 ................................................................................................................................... 3
3.D.) COMMODITY MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS - ADOPTED 2021 .................................................................................................... 3
3.E.) COMMODITY EXCHANGES - ADOPTED 2017 ............................................................................................................................................... 3
3.F.) GRAIN MARKETING - ADOPTED 2021 ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.G.) GRAIN PRICING AND GRADING STANDARDS - ADOPTED 2018 .............................................................................................................4
3.H.) COMMERCIAL SEED - ADOPTED 2016 .........................................................................................................................................................4
3.I.) LIVESTOCK MARKETING - ADOPTED 2021 .................................................................................................................................................... 5
4. DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURE ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.A.) VALUE-ADDED/RETAIL AGRICULTURE - ADOPTED 2021 ...................................................................................................................... 5
4.B.) ORGANIC FARMING - ADOPTED 2016 .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.C.) TOBACCO - ADOPTED 2016............................................................................................................................................................................6
4.D.) INDUSTRIAL HEMP - ADOPTED 2020 .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.E.) HONEYBEES - ADOPTED 2021 ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
5. ANIMAL AGRICULTURE .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
5.A.) GENERAL ANIMAL AGRICULTURE POLICY - ADOPTED 2021 ..................................................................................................................8
5.B.) BEEF - ADOPTED 2020 ...................................................................................................................................................................................8
5.C.) EQUINE - ADOPTED 2019 ................................................................................................................................................................................8
5.D.) DAIRY - ADOPTED 2016 ..................................................................................................................................................................................9
5.E.) AQUACULTURE - ADOPTED 2016 .................................................................................................................................................................9
5.F.) ANIMAL CARE - ADOPTED 2021 .....................................................................................................................................................................9
5.G.) QUALITY ASSURANCE - ADOPTED 2016 .................................................................................................................................................. 10
5.H.) IDENTIFICATION OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY - ADOPTED 2016 ..................................................................................................... 10
5.I.) EXOTIC ANIMALS AND NON-TRADITIONAL LIVESTOCK - ADOPTED 2016 ........................................................................................ 10
5.J.) COMPANION ANIMALS - ADOPTED 2020 ................................................................................................................................................ 10
5.K.) FEED ADDITIVES AND MEDICATION - ADOPTED 2021 .......................................................................................................................... 10
5.L.) DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES - ADOPTED 2019 ...........................................................................................................................................11
5.M.) LIVESTOCK DISEASES - ADOPTED 2020 ...................................................................................................................................................11
5.N.) QUARANTINES AND CONDEMNATIONS - ADOPTED 2020 ........................................................................................................................11
5.O.) ANIMAL DISPOSAL - ADOPTED 2019 ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.P.) INSPECTION PROGRAMS - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................................................... 12
5.Q.) DAIRY INSPECTION - ADOPTED 2016 ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
5.R.) MEAT, POULTRY, FISH AND CRUSTACEANS - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................ 12
5.S.) ON-SITE INSPECTION - ADOPTED 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
6. FOOD SAFETY AND LABELING ................................................................................................................................................. 13
6.A.) FOOD SAFETY - ADOPTED 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................. 13
6.B.) LABELING - ADOPTED 2021......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
7. NATURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................................................. 13
i7.A.) RIVERS AND STREAMS - ADOPTED 2020.................................................................................................................................................. 13
7.B.) WETLANDS - ADOPTED 2021 .......................................................................................................................................................................14
7.C.) ENDANGERED SPECIES - ADOPTED 2020 ................................................................................................................................................. 15
7.D.) PREDATORS AND WILDLIFE CONTROL - ADOPTED 2021 ..................................................................................................................... 15
8. ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................................................................... 15
8.A.) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND RESEARCH - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................ 15
8.B.) STATE ENVIRONMENT LAWS - ADOPTED 2020 ...................................................................................................................................... 16
8.C.) AIR QUALITY - ADOPTED 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................... 17
8.D.) HAZARDOUS WASTE - ADOPTED 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
8.E.) SOLID WASTE - ADOPTED 2019................................................................................................................................................................... 17
8.F.) LITTER - ADOPTED 2020 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 17
8.G.) AGRICULTURE CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZER - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................ 17
8.H.) RECORDKEEPING OF PESTICIDE AND FERTILIZER USE - ADOPTED 2017 ..........................................................................................18
8.I.) ANIMAL MANURE MANAGEMENT - ADOPTED 2019 ................................................................................................................................ 19
8.J.) CONTAMINATION LIABILITY - ADOPTED 2017 .......................................................................................................................................... 19
9. WEED MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................................................................... 19
9.A.) WEEDS AND DETRIMENTAL PLANTS - ADOPTED 2020 ........................................................................................................................ 19
9.B.) WEED LAW ENFORCEMENT AND WEED CONTROL - ADOPTED 2021 .............................................................................................. 20
10. WATER ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
10.A.) WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT - ADOPTED 2020 ................................................................................................................... 20
10.B.) WATER RIGHTS - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
10.C.) DRAINAGE - ADOPTED 2021 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 21
10.D.) SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION - ADOPTED 2021 ........................................................................................................................ 22
10.E.) IRRIGATION - ADOPTED 2016................................................................................................................................................................... 23
10.F.) GROUNDWATER PROTECTION - ADOPTED 2017 ................................................................................................................................. 23
10.G.) SURFACE WATER - ADOPTED 2021......................................................................................................................................................... 23
11. FORESTRY ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
11.A.) INDUSTRY OPERATIONS - ADOPTED 2019 ............................................................................................................................................. 24
11.B.) FOREST INCENTIVES PROGRAMS - ADOPTED 2019 ............................................................................................................................. 24
11.C.) PUBLICLY OWNED FORESTLAND - ADOPTED 2018 ............................................................................................................................. 24
11.D.) PUBLICLY OWNED NON-FORESTLAND - ADOPTED 2017 ................................................................................................................. 25
12. RECREATION AND PUBLIC LANDS ........................................................................................................................................ 25
12.A.) COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION - ADOPTED 2020 ....................................................................................................................... 25
12.B.) STATE PARKS AND RECREATION - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................................. 25
12.C.) HERITAGE TRUST - ADOPTED 2016 ......................................................................................................................................................... 25
12.D.) FEDERAL LANDS - ADOPTED 2021 .......................................................................................................................................................... 25
12.E.) HUNTING, FISHING AND TRAPPING - ADOPTED 2020 ........................................................................................................................ 26
13. ENERGY ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
13.A.) CONSERVATION-RENEWABLE ENERGY - ADOPTED 2021................................................................................................................. 26
13.B.) COAL - ADOPTED 2021............................................................................................................................................................................... 27
13.C.) OIL – GAS - ADOPTED 2018 ....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
14. UTILITIES ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
14.A.) PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION - ADOPTED 2021 ..................................................................................................................................... 28
14.B.) ELECTRIC UTILITY RESTRUCTURING - ADOPTED 2021 ....................................................................................................................... 29
14.C.) REMCS - ADOPTED 2021 ..........................................................................................................................................................................30
14.D.) TELEPHONE - ADOPTED 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................................30
14.E.) BROADBAND INTERNET - ADOPTED 2021 .............................................................................................................................................30
14.F.) GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS (GPS) - ADOPTED 2020 ................................................................................................................. 31
15. STATE GOVERNING ...................................................................................................................................................................... 31
15.A.) STATE CONSTITUTION - ADOPTED 2020 ................................................................................................................................................ 31
ii15.B.) AGRICULTURE PROTECTIONS - ADOPTED 2021 .................................................................................................................................... 31
15.C.) PROTECTION OF INDIANA’S SOVEREIGNTY - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................ 31
15.D.) GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE - ADOPTED 2020 ...................................................................................................................................... 31
15.E.) ELECTIONS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS - ADOPTED 2021 ........................................................................................................................ 32
16. STATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 33
16.A.) DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS - ADOPTED 2021...................................................... 33
16.B.) INDIANA GENERAL ASSEMBLY - ADOPTED 2021 ................................................................................................................................. 33
16.C.) REGULATORY AGENCIES - ADOPTED 2021............................................................................................................................................ 33
16.D.) INDIANA STATE FAIR AND FACILITIES - ADOPTED 2017 .................................................................................................................... 34
16.E.) BUDGETING AND INVESTMENT AUTHORITY - ADOPTED 2021 .......................................................................................................... 34
17. LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 35
17.A.) LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE - ADOPTED 2021 ......................................................................................................................... 35
17.B.) LOCAL CONTROL - ADOPTED 2021 ......................................................................................................................................................... 35
17.C.) ANNEXATION AND MERGERS - ADOPTED 2021.................................................................................................................................... 36
17.D.) JUDICIAL - ADOPTED 2018 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 37
17.E.) LIBRARIES - ADOPTED 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 37
17.F.) FIRE TERRITORIES - ADOPTED 2021 ........................................................................................................................................................ 37
18. LAND USE PLANNING ................................................................................................................................................................ 38
18.A.) LOCAL PLANNING - ADOPTED 2021 ....................................................................................................................................................... 38
18.B.) AGRICULTURE LAND PROTECTION - ADOPTED 2021 ......................................................................................................................... 39
18.C.) PROPERTY RIGHTS - ADOPTED 2021 .......................................................................................................................................................41
18.D.) EMINENT DOMAIN - ADOPTED 2021 ........................................................................................................................................................41
19. FISCAL POLICY.............................................................................................................................................................................. 42
19.A.) STATE FISCAL POLICY OPERATION - ADOPTED 2020 ....................................................................................................................... 42
19.B.) PROPERTY TAX - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................ 43
19.C.) PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX - ADOPTED 2021 ....................................................................................................................................... 45
19.D.) ASSESSMENT - ADOPTED 2021................................................................................................................................................................ 45
19.E.) PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS - ADOPTED 2021 ........................................................................................................................ 46
19.F.) LOCAL OPTION TAX - ADOPTED 2020................................................................................................................................................... 47
19.G.) SALES TAX - ADOPTED 2021 .....................................................................................................................................................................48
19.H.) INCOME TAX - ADOPTED 2019 .................................................................................................................................................................48
19.I.) USER FEES - ADOPTED 2017 .......................................................................................................................................................................48
19.J.) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES - ADOPTED 2021 ................................................................................................................48
19.K.) LEGALIZED GAMBLING - ADOPTED 2017 ................................................................................................................................................ 49
19.L.) COAL EXTRACTION TAX - ADOPTED 2020 ............................................................................................................................................ 49
20. EDUCATION .................................................................................................................................................................................. 49
20.A.) EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................................ 49
20.B.) K-12 EDUCATION - ADOPTED 2021 .......................................................................................................................................................50
20.C.) SCHOOL ORGANIZATION - ADOPTED 2021 ..........................................................................................................................................50
20.D.) CURRICULA - ADOPTED 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................... 51
20.E.) TESTING - ADOPTED 2021 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 52
20.F.) SCHOOL FUNDING - ADOPTED 2021 ...................................................................................................................................................... 52
20.G.) HIGHER EDUCATION - ADOPTED 2019.................................................................................................................................................. 52
20.H.) CONTINUING EDUCATION - ADOPTED 2021 ........................................................................................................................................ 52
20.I.) COOPERATIVE EXTENSION - ADOPTED 2021 ........................................................................................................................................ 53
20.J.) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH - ADOPTED 2019....................................................................................................................................... 53
21. PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELL-BEING .................................................................................................................. 53
21.A.) PUBLIC OUTREACH - ADOPTED 2020 .................................................................................................................................................... 53
21.B.) NUTRITION AND HEALTH - ADOPTED 2020 .......................................................................................................................................... 53
21.C.) EMERGENCY SERVICES - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................................................... 54
22. TRANSPORTATION .................................................................................................................................................................... 54
iii22.A.) HIGHWAY FUNDING - ADOPTED 2021 .................................................................................................................................................... 54
22.B.) HIGHWAY PROJECTS - ADOPTED 2021 .................................................................................................................................................. 55
22.C.) VEHICLE AND HIGHWAY REGULATIONS - ADOPTED 2021 ................................................................................................................ 57
22.D.) TRAFFIC SAFETY AND EDUCATION - ADOPTED 2021......................................................................................................................... 58
22.E.) BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES (BMV) - ADOPTED 2020 ................................................................................................................ 58
22.F.) RAILROADS - ADOPTED 2019 .................................................................................................................................................................. 58
23. LABOR ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 59
23.A.) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE NEGOTIATIONS - ADOPTED 2017 ....................................................................................................................... 59
23.B.) STRIKES BY PUBLIC EMPLOYEES - ADOPTED 2017 ............................................................................................................................. 59
23.C.) UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION - ADOPTED 2021 ........................................................................................................................ 59
23.D.) WORKER’S COMPENSATION - ADOPTED 2021 .................................................................................................................................... 59
23.E.) INDIANA OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA AND IOSHA) - ADOPTED 2020 .............................. 59
23.F.) AGRICULTURAL LABOR - ADOPTED 2021 ..............................................................................................................................................60
23.G.) IMMIGRATION - ADOPTED 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................60
24. LAW .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 60
24.A.) INSURANCE - ADOPTED 2020 .................................................................................................................................................................60
24.B.) PROBATE - ADOPTED 2021 ......................................................................................................................................................................60
24.C.) LANDOWNER LIABILITY - ADOPTED 2021 .............................................................................................................................................. 61
24.D.) CIVIL TRESPASS - ADOPTED 2016 ........................................................................................................................................................... 61
24.E.) AGRI-TOURISM LIABILITY - ADOPTED 2016 .......................................................................................................................................... 61
24.F.) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS - ADOPTED 2019 ............................................................................................................................ 61
24.G.) PROPRIETARY DATA - ADOPTED 2020 .................................................................................................................................................. 61
24.H.) CRIMINAL LAW - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................ 62
24.I.) CRIMINAL TRESPASS - ADOPTED 2020 ................................................................................................................................................... 63
24.J.) GUN CONTROL - ADOPTED 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................. 63
24.K.) FENCE LAW - ADOPTED 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................. 63
INDEX ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
ivNOTE: The number to the right of the section title reflects the year that section was
amended or reviewed. Started in 2016, a policy section will be sunset after a period of seven
years if no official action has been taken on it in the policy development process.
1. Agricultural Policy
1.A.) General Agricultural Policy Adopted 2020
i. We support:
(1) Voluntary, science-based certification programs that help demonstrate the
proactive efforts of crop and livestock producers.
(2) Animal husbandry and crop production practices that are based on sound science
and best management practices.
(3) Protecting farmers from the dissemination of misinformation regarding production
practices.
(4) Producer ownership and control of farm-generated data.
ii. We oppose:
(1) Government-driven decisions that limit choices and determine the merits of
products based on the political will rather than science.
1.B.) Farm Size Adopted 2021
i. We support:
(1) The free enterprise system.
(2) All areas of agriculture, regardless of size.
(3) Agriculture viewed as business/development and local economic development
organization (LEDO).
1.C.) Urban County Farm Bureau Coalition Adopted 2020
i. We support:
(1) The cooperation and coordination of the Urban County Farm Bureau Coalition to
enhance the state Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
(2) The authorization and expansion of urban agriculture and innovative production
within the Farm Bureau structure as suggested by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Bureau.
1.D.) Cooperation Adopted 2019
i. We support:
(1) Continued communication and collaboration among the various Indiana agricultural
and conservation organizations.
1.E.) Farmer Cooperatives Adopted 2017
i. We support:
(1) Farmer-owned cooperatives which are vital in handling, purchasing, processing,
marketing and service functions for the farmer.
(2) Directors and all cooperative stockholders making certain their associations are
soundly and adequately financed, well-managed and far-sighted in their policies.
(3) Farmers controlling and guiding their cooperatives by actively participating in order
to make them more useful and valuable to their patrons. This will allow farmers to
guide policy and management to determine size, services offered and other things
needed to make the cooperative efficient and influential in the agricultural
community.
1(4) Establishing a revolving fund to provide capital for well-managed value-added co-
operatives.
(5) The modernization of Indiana’s cooperative law to facilitate the investment of non-
farm capital.
(6) Returning stock and retained earnings to farmers after five years if a farmer has not
done business with the cooperative or if the cooperative leaves the area.
2. Agricultural Credit
2.A.) Agricultural Loans Adopted 2020
i. We support:
(1) The availability of a variety of credit sources at the lowest possible interest rates
that are responsive to the problems of agriculture.
(2) The establishment and continuation of alternative financing programs, including low
interest loan programs for veterans in agriculture.
(3) Access and availability of flexible credit programs to young and beginning farmers.
ii. We oppose:
(1) Foreclosure moratoriums, extension of redemption periods or other actions that
would cause increased interest rates and discourage credit flowing to agriculture.
2.B.) Bankruptcy Adopted 2017
i. We support:
(1) Protection for landowner interests when a tenant seeks bankruptcy.
(2) Protection for the respective interests in farm products of landlords and tenants
from claims by the other’s creditors.
(3) Legislation allowing landlords and tenants a secured interest in their crops.
2.C.) Agricultural Business Bankruptcy Adopted 2019
i. We support:
(1) Bankruptcy laws changing so that the producer retains title to farm commodities
delivered until payment is received. Farmers holding grain contracts that have not
been paid should not have to deliver any additional grain in case the elevator goes
bankrupt.
(2) That in the event a supplier declares bankruptcy, title to prepaid fertilizer, chemicals,
feed, seed, etc., pass to the purchaser at time of payment.
(3) A voluntary grain insurance fund.
(4) A voluntary fertilizer indemnity fund.
ii. We oppose:
(1) The Grain Indemnity Fund investing in stocks and securities.
(2) Farmers being in an unsecured position in prepaid situations.
3. Agricultural Marketing
3.A.) State Programs Adopted 2020
i. We support:
(1) The development of marketing programs designed to improve net farm income and
capture a greater share of the consumer dollar.
(2) The development of new processing plants in Indiana and retaining our established
plants.
(3) The development of a more favorable climate for agricultural product marketing.
2(4) “Indiana Grown,” a merchandizing program for all Indiana agricultural products.
ii. We oppose:
(1) The use of inaccurate or deceptive marketing terms when advertisers are promoting
products for sale.
(2) The use of consumer marketing buzzwords to influence customers as to the safety
or nutritional value of the products they are buying.
3.B.) International Trade Adopted 2020
i. We support:
(1) Current state agricultural export promotional programs.
(2) State officials aggressively seeking new markets for agricultural commodities and
value-added agricultural products.
3.C.) Agricultural Concentration Adopted 2017
i. We support:
(1) Contracts being the result of good faith bargaining.
(2) Recognizing established marketing and fair-trade practices.
ii. We oppose:
(1) State efforts to control the extent to which packers/processors may contract and/or
own livestock.
3.D.) Commodity Market Development Programs Adopted 2021
i. We support:
(1) Reasonable farmer-controlled marketing enhancement programs.
(2) Producer access to check-off funding accountability.
(3) Commodity programs being funded by means of an automatic deduction from the
price of the commodity at its first point of sale.
(4) Review procedures for check-off programs.
(5) Commodity check-off programs operated by the state of Indiana if federal check-
off programs cease.
(6) The assessment of a state soybean check-off. However, if assessments are levied
under the national soybean check-off programs created by federal statute, no
assessment shall be levied for purposes of the state soybean marketing program
established. A state soybean marketing program would mirror the Indiana corn
marketing program that is currently in place with a refund ability.
3.E.) Commodity Exchanges Adopted 2017
i. We support:
(1) The commodity exchanges serving as a valuable tool in marketing.
(2) Reviewing and updating periodically the rules and regulations under which the
exchanges operate.
3.F.) Grain Marketing Adopted 2021
i. We support:
(1) The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) being the government agency
with oversight authority for agricultural commodities.
(2) The CFTC closely monitoring grain company trading and index funds for its effects
on market prices and market manipulation.
(3) Contracts between elevators and farmers following CFTC guidelines.
(4) Keeping Deferred Pricing (DP) contracts as an option of grain marketing.
3(5) National regulation of DP contracts.
(6) Research on all types of marketing contracts and the resulting information should
be made available to producers.
(7) The Indiana Grain Buyers law that encourages entry into the grain buying business.
(8) A strong Indiana Grain Indemnification Fund and urge that it be regularly reviewed
and modified to assure it maintains sufficient resources to adequately protect
Indiana grain producers.
(9) Greater oversight from the Indiana Grain Indemnity Corporation over the Indiana
Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency.
(10) The use of marketing tools or other marketing alternatives.
(11) The Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund should not be used to compensate grain
producers for losses incurred by selling grain to purchasers who are not licensed by
the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency.
(12) Grain Indemnity Fund for a term of 15 months after delivery.
(13) Regulatory parity between grain elevators and zero asset grain merchandizers.
(14) The pricing of DP contracts as a maximum of 15 months from the date of
commodity delivery, matching the current Grain Indemnity Fund requirements.
ii. We oppose:
(1) The formation of any type of governmental board such as interstate grain
compacts, either national or regional, that would control marketing in any way.
(2) Federal pre-emption of Indiana’s Grain Indemnification Fund.
3.G.) Grain Pricing and Grading Standards Adopted 2018
i. We support:
(1) Water to suppress dust on grain as a bona fide method of dust control when used in
approved and monitored dust control systems.
(2) Revised grain standards that reflect the economic values of the grain.
(3) Grain grading as an open process with opportunity for producer interaction and an
appeal prior to dumping the product.
(4) The ability to provide identity-preserved grains.
(5) Blending grains of different qualities or moisture within a narrow range.
(6) Grain quality and standards testing being uniform, science-based, and include
testing for toxins.
ii. We oppose:
(1) Blending in foreign material after it has been removed. Anything in excess of one
percent should be listed as dockage.
(2) Government mandated identity tracking of grain.
3.H.) Commercial Seed Adopted 2016
i. We support:
(1) Strong intellectual property rights protection to allow seed developers the ability to
recover the costs of research and development.
(2) A farmer’s right to retain seed he or she grows unless that seed is otherwise protected.
(3) Farmers being held harmless from any liability based on the presence of biotech genes in
the crops they produce.
(4) Any seed purchased for use in Indiana should meet Indiana labeling laws.
(5) State legislation of seed contracting between farmers and seed companies regarding the
following:
(a) The venue for any litigation involving the seed contract would be Indiana.
4(b) A farmer would not be liable for any inadvertent possession of seed with patented
technological improvements.
(c) A farmer would be made whole if he prevailed in a legal action based on a seed
contract.
ii. We oppose:
(1) The practice of seed marketers imposing a surcharge on U.S. customers that is not
imposed on foreign customers.
(2) Genetically altered seed being classified as a pesticide.
3.I.) Livestock Marketing Adopted 2021
i. We support:
(1) Access to competitive markets for price discovery that accurately determines the
value of livestock producers’ products.
(2) Continuation of publicly traded livestock markets (sale barns) and auctions.
(3) Contracts and marketing regulations recognizing species-specific business and
marketing structures.
(4) Rights of producers and packers to enter into formula pricing, grid pricing and other
marketing arrangements and contract relationships. Contracts and marketing
arrangements should specify a negotiated base price before commitment to deliver.
Such contracts and pricing arrangements should not be used to manipulate the
market to the detriment of producers. We encourage producers to retain control
over contract delivery and/or contract completion in furtherance of value-added
marketing.
(5) Development of new risk management tools to enhance the ability of family
livestock farmers to cope with market fluctuations.
(6) A Risk Management Agency (RMA) product for livestock producers.
(7) New markets for livestock and livestock products working with the Indiana State
Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
4. Diversified Agriculture
4.A.) Value-Added/Retail Agriculture Adopted 2021
i. We support:
(1) Diversity in agricultural production and marketing systems in Indiana.
(2) Establishing standards and language to better define and understand best practices
for diversified agricultural enterprises.
(3) The development of positive relationships between producers, processors and
consumers that enhance market development.
(4) Entrepreneurial initiatives as opportunities for producers and processors to add
value and diversify their operations.
(5) The establishment of a statewide program to foster entrepreneurship and assist
product development.
(6) Government initiatives for privately funded, value-added agriculture.
(7) Farmer-owned, value-added market alternatives.
(8) Policies and initiatives at the state level that promote locally grown meat and
produce in Indiana restaurants, eateries, farmers markets, schools and other publicly
supported institutions.
(9) Producer owned processing plants.
5(10) Efforts to encourage increases in processing and marketing opportunities for
Indiana meat and poultry. Infrastructure, workforce development and processing
capacity needs to be expanded to meet the current demand for locally produced
meat.
(11) Establishing commercial kitchens strategically across the state for producers to be
able to test and process their products.
(12) Unified enforcement of state regulations by counties for both on and off-farm
freezer meat sales.
(13) The process of distilling mint into mint-oil as an acceptable farming practice.
(14) State efforts to encourage and enhance production and marketing opportunities for
Indiana wines and grapes. Indiana farm wineries should be able to ship their
products directly to in-state and out-of-state consumers without in-person winery
verification.
(15) Efforts to encourage the sale of locally grown products through ISDA’s efforts to
brand and promote Indiana agricultural commodities using the Indiana Grown
Initiative, making it easy for consumers to identify, find and buy Indiana grown
products.
(16) Uniform state food safety standards for all farmers markets and roadside stands
selling produce. The standards need to be based on proven practices that are
economically sustainable for growers.
(17) Keeping the ISDA director engaged with the Indiana Economic Development
Corporation (IEDC).
(18) Expansion of both the venues and products under the Home-Based Vendors (HBV)
provisions to increase opportunity to market value-added products.
(19) The creation and expansion of local, diverse, small- and medium-size processing
facilities.
ii. We oppose:
(1) Mandatory requirements to have farm stands or farmers markets utilize electronic
banking transactions.
(2) Mandatory requirements to accept SNAP.
4.B.) Organic Farming Adopted 2016
i. We support:
(1) Continued research by non-biased researchers into the validity of health claims put
forth by certain activist organic supporters.
(2) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continuing to evaluate and improve the
organic accreditation system.
(3) Certified farmers participating in their certification management boards.
(4) Efforts to enhance marketing opportunities for producers of organically grown
commodities.
(5) Broad availability of information on the USDA-certified organic program,
certification process and labeling requirements, as well as other unbiased
information on production.
(6) Marketing of organic products to consumers as a choice based on their own merits.
4.C.) Tobacco Adopted 2016
i. We support:
(1) The production of tobacco in the current free market atmosphere.
(2) The rights of all Indiana farmers who desire to produce tobacco.
6You can also read
